Hinson Fights to Expand Over-the-Counter Access to Safe Birth Control Options for Adult Women

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) reintroduced two pieces of legislation aimed at ensuring women 18 and up can access over-the-counter birth control at their nearest local pharmacy, as well as improving birth control options for adult women in rural areas. 

These measures would improve access to safe, effective, FDA-approved birth control options for adult women. 

“We should make it easier for adult women to access safe, effective over-the-counter birth control options. I’ve heard from many Iowa women who have to drive long distances to see their doctor, making it difficult to get the care and prescriptions they need. My legislation would allow adult women to access FDA-approved contraception over-the-counter at their local pharmacy. I’ve also been focused on improving maternal care and women’s health overall, because too many women still don’t have the support they need—whether it’s before, during, or after pregnancy. Expanding access to safe birth control options is part of that, giving women the opportunity to plan their families in a way that works for them.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

The two bills include: 
 
Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act: 

• This legislation, reintroduced alongside Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Marriannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03), requires the FDA to prioritize review of contraceptives and allows women 18 and up to access FDA-approved, over-the-counter birth control.
• Bill text can be found here. 

Access to LARCs Act: 

• This legislation, reintroduced alongside Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), supports greater availability of highly effective, long-term birth control options including Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and arm implants by addressing barriers that limit access.
• Bill text can be found here. 

These efforts build on Hinson’s ongoing work to ensure women—particularly in rural areas—can access affordable, timely care without unnecessary government hurdles. More information on both pieces of legislation here. Read exclusive reporting by the Des Moines Register here.

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